Quarterfinals: Logan Rodgers vs. Taylor Scott

Two tempo strategies squared off in the Top 8, with Logan piloting the new school of UWR popularized at the New Jersey Invitational. Could Taylor’s classic RUG list overcome Stoneforge Mystic and crew?

Batterskull began to outrace the Aberration, with Logan debating how best to use his two lands. Swords slew the Delver and Wasteland on Tropical Island followed, locking Taylor up good. He Brainstormed, failing to find a second land and getting locked into some rough spells before passing the turn.

Taylor's deck didn't deliver lands for a while. A long while.

A few more turns against the implacable Batterskull, and Logan had claimed the lead.

Taylor began to hit cleanup steps, while Logan had a third Flooded Strand. Breaking one on the next turn, he searched for Volcanic Island and played Tundra before casting Rest in Peace. Sighing, Taylor Force of Willed and found his Force predictably Spell Pierced. It was looking like a slaughter as Taylor continued to miss lands, but he found a fetchland on the following turn!

He Brainstormed again first, looking for a second Geist or another credible threat. He wound up jamming in the Geist and then Submerging it after Taylor blocked, planning to ship in one more time and likely finish the job with Lightning Bolt—Taylor was on 7. Recasting the Geist after Taylor played his third Mongoose, Logan ended his turn.